Cardiac arrest in private locations: different strategies are needed to improve outcome

Background: A tremendous amount of public resources are focused on improving cardiac arrest (OHCA) survival in public places, yet most OHCAs occur in private residences. Methods and results: A prospective, observational study of patients transported to seven urban and suburban hospitals and the individuals who called 911 at the time of a cardiac arrest (bystander) was performed. Bystanders ( N=543) were interviewed via telephone beginning 2 weeks after the incident to obtain data regarding patient and bystander demographics, including cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) training. Of all arrests 80.2% were in homes. Pateints who arrested in public places were significantly younger (63.2 vs. 67.2, P